A ranked, research-backed roundup of the best BJJ Fanatics judo instructionals for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, including who they fit, strengths, drawbacks, and reliable sources.
The Judo Academy
A complete, BJJ-ready judo system that builds reliable stand-up and connects cleanly to ground control.
Judo Basics
Fundamentals-focused judo that gives you safe, repeatable stand-up for gi BJJ.
Mastering No Gi Takedowns
Turn judo into no-gi takedowns using clinch grips, simple kuzushi, and footsweeps that survive scrambles.
📋 Jump to a review (Click to expand)
🥋 #1 The Judo Academy by Jimmy Pedro & Travis Stevens
Instructor: Jimmy Pedro & Travis Stevens
Style: System Based, Conceptual, Drill Heavy
Best for: All Levels
Format: Both
Runtime: 2 hours and 29 minutes
Volumes: 4
Biggest takeaway: Grip first, throw safely
Techniques: Grip Fighting, Osoto Gari, Uchi Mata
- The Takedown Blueprint – Similar duo with a tighter focus on stand-up structure.
- Mastering No Gi Takedowns – Best if you mostly compete or train no-gi.
- American Judo System: The Ashi Waza Encyclopedia – Deep dive if you want dominant foot sweeps.
You learn how to grip, off-balance, and finish throws that land you safely in control. You also get judo-flavored ground chains that work in BJJ. It avoids fluff and follows a clear plan.
✅ Pros
- It is a coherent system that links grips, entries, and finishes.
- Opposite-stance coverage solves a common BJJ blind spot.
- The ground follow-ups are practical for points and submissions.
⚠️ Cons
- Some chapters assume basic judo vocabulary.
- Production feels dated versus newer releases.
- No-gi adaptations are present but not exhaustive.
💡 I rank this first because it covers the full pathway from first grip to control with minimal risk, which is exactly what most BJJ athletes need. Recommendation: Buy it now.
🥋 #2 Judo Basics by Shintaro Higashi
Instructor: Shintaro Higashi
Style: System Based, Drill Heavy
Best for: Beginner
Format: Gi
Runtime: 2 hours and 8 minutes
Volumes: 4
Biggest takeaway: Grip paths solve chaos
Techniques: Grip Fighting, Right Vs Left Stance, Combinations
- Low Risk Judo Throws for BJJ – If you want even safer, BJJ-friendly throwing concepts.
- Mastering No Gi Takedowns – Pair with a no-gi adaptation course.
You learn stance battles, grips, and clean entries without force. You drill direct and misdirection attacks that scale to sparring. It is gi-first and not submission heavy.
✅ Pros
- It simplifies right-vs-left and gives you a plan.
- Lessons are compact and easy to review between rounds.
- Drills tie concepts to movement so they stick.
⚠️ Cons
- Gi emphasis may limit pure no-gi carryover.
- It assumes basic judo names and terms.
- Less emphasis on ground follow-ups.
💡 I rate it highly because many BJJ athletes need a dependable stand-up foundation more than exotic throws, and this delivers that quickly. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #3 Mastering No Gi Takedowns by Travis Stevens
Instructor: Travis Stevens
Style: System Based, Drill Heavy
Best for: All Levels
Format: No-Gi
Runtime: 2 hours and 16 minutes
Volumes: 4
Biggest takeaway: Create kuzushi without fabric
Techniques: Overhook Series, Russian Tie, Footsweeps
- The Takedown Blueprint – More grip theory if you plan to add gi later.
- American Judo System: The Osoto-Gari Encyclopedia – Deep dive on a key throw you see in no-gi clinches.
You learn to recreate lapel-sleeve control with clinch ties. Throws are adapted to land in dominant positions. It trades theoretical depth for pace and practical drilling.
✅ Pros
- It makes judo work in no-gi with clear grips.
- The curriculum flows from ties to takedowns to finishes.
- High value if you compete in ADCC-style rule sets.
⚠️ Cons
- Less exhaustive theory than multi-volume concept sets.
- Some entries are timing-dependent in fast scrambles.
- Not a full wrestling fundamentals course.
💡 I put this top-three because most BJJ gyms spar no-gi weekly, and this course answers the lapel problem cleanly. Recommendation: Buy it now.
🥋 #4 Judo Gripping Systems For BJJ by Fernando Yamasaki
Instructor: Fernando Yamasaki
Style: Conceptual, Drill Heavy, System Based
Best for: All Levels
Format: Gi
Runtime: 1 hour and 27 minutes
Volumes: 3
Biggest takeaway: Grip, move, then throw
Techniques: Grip Fighting, Kuzushi, Kouchi Gari
- Judo for Jiu Jitsu – Another gi-first curriculum with more throw variety.
- The Judo Academy – If you want a more complete stand-up plus ground plan.
You learn how to establish, break, and recover grips with footwork tied in. Drills build timing for trips you can land safely. It is gi-heavy with modest ground chaining.
✅ Pros
- Clear emphasis on the most decisive stand-up battle: grips.
- Footwork and timing drills reduce injury risk when throwing.
- Priced well for the value if you are starting stand-up.
⚠️ Cons
- Gi-first teaching with limited no-gi crossover.
- It assumes you will add your own passes after takedowns.
- Presentation is slower than modern fast-cut styles.
💡 I moved this up because better grips raise every takedown percentage, and this course is dedicated to that skill. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #5 New Wave Judo For BJJ by Satoshi Ishii
Instructor: Satoshi Ishii
Style: Technique Collection, System Based
Best for: Intermediate
Format: Both
Runtime: 1 hour and 25 minutes
Volumes: 3
Biggest takeaway: Stance dictates entries
Techniques: Uchi Mata, Sumi Gaeshi, Okuri Ashi Barai
- Mastering No Gi Takedowns – Clearer English and more BJJ pacing.
- Judo Basics – Better entry point if you are new to judo.
You study high-percentage judo throws with stance-specific details. The teaching is direct and no-frills. Ground chaining is lighter than BJJ-first instructionals.
✅ Pros
- Elite-level mechanics on classic throws.
- Focus on stance solves many timing issues.
- Discounts make it good value for technique hunters.
⚠️ Cons
- Presentation can be dry and hard to follow.
- Limited BJJ ground integration.
- Inconsistent feedback on older Ishii releases.
💡 I keep it mid-list because the mechanics are elite, but the delivery and integration are not for everyone. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #6 Judo for Jiu Jitsu by Leo Leite
Instructor: Leo Leite
Style: System Based, Conceptual
Best for: All Levels
Format: Both
Runtime: 1 hour and 3 minutes
Volumes: 2
Biggest takeaway: Land throws into control
Techniques: Seoi Nage, Uchi Mata, Clock Choke
- Judo Gripping Systems For BJJ – If your main struggle is winning the first grip.
- Judo Basics – A fundamentals-first alternative with lots of drilling.
You learn classic throws adapted to BJJ priorities. Ground sequences favor control over scramble-heavy finishes. It is gi-first and moves at a calm pace.
✅ Pros
- Rare dual-expertise perspective for BJJ needs.
- Good balance between stand-up and basic ground chains.
- Clear explanations without jargon.
⚠️ Cons
- Light on no-gi adaptation.
- Less advanced grip chess than Pedro-Stevens sets.
- Production is straightforward, not cinematic.
💡 I include it for learners who want a calm, fundamentals-first teacher with elite credentials on both mats. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #7 The Takedown Blueprint by Jimmy Pedro & Travis Stevens
Instructor: Jimmy Pedro & Travis Stevens
Style: System Based, Conceptual
Best for: All Levels
Format: Both
Volumes: 3
Biggest takeaway: Grips drive everything
Techniques: Grip Fighting, Kuzushi, Uchi Mata
- The Judo Academy – More complete with ground follow-ups.
- Judo Basics – Simpler starting point if you are new.
You learn grip priorities and kuzushi that make a small throw list work. The plan is digestible and proven. It lacks the depth of newer encyclopedias.
✅ Pros
- It gives a repeatable takedown plan.
- Opposite-stance teaching is unusually practical.
- Pacing is friendly for class planning.
⚠️ Cons
- Not an encyclopedia-level deep dive.
- Older production and examples.
- Fewer BJJ ground sequences than Judo Academy.
💡 I like it for coaches who need a tight plan that students can apply within a few weeks. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #8 American Judo System: The Osoto-Gari Encyclopedia by Travis Stevens
Instructor: Travis Stevens
Style: Technique Collection, Drill Heavy
Best for: Advanced
Format: Gi
Runtime: 1 hour and 57 minutes
Volumes: 8
Biggest takeaway: Details make osoto reliable
Techniques: Osoto Gari, Georgian Grip, Counters
- American Judo System: Tomoe Nage Encyclopedia – Another focused encyclopedia if you prefer sacrifice throws.
- Judo Basics – Start here if you still need fundamentals.
You go deep on one throw to make it reliable. Drills and grip variations answer common counters. It is specialized and gi-first.
✅ Pros
- Rare depth on a staple throw that wins points.
- Clear progressions from basics to advanced combinations.
- Includes mistake-fixing sections to save drilling time.
⚠️ Cons
- Too specialized as a first purchase.
- Mainly gi content with little no-gi discussion.
- Requires disciplined drilling to see returns.
💡 I include it as a specialist tool: if you make osoto your A-game, this can pay off big in scoring and control. Recommendation: Skip.
How to choose a judo-for-BJJ instructional (fast)
Decide format first. If you train mostly no-gi, pick a clinch and footsweep-heavy plan. For gi, prioritize gripping systems and safe landings. Newer athletes should start with a complete system, then add a deep dive on one throw you like. Watch trailers, check contents, and buy during Daily Deals to stretch your budget.
💙 Was this article helpful?
Share it with your training partners!
